Rangers are leading the chase to sign John Swift, but a clutch of Championship clubs are fighting to keep the midfielder south of the border, as reported by SportsBoom.
The 30-year-old playmaker is available on a free transfer following his release by West Bromwich Albion.
Derby County, Stoke City and Norwich Join Race for Former Baggies Star
Swift has no shortage of suitors as he begins the next chapter of his career, with Derby County, Norwich City, Stoke City and Portsmouth all registering interest in the experienced midfielder. However, Scottish Premiership side Rangers are believed to be pushing hard to convince him to move to Ibrox.
The ex-England Under-21 international made 107 league appearances across three seasons with West Brom, netting 15 goals. However, his influence waned in the 2023/24 campaign, where he featured just 25 times in the league as Carlos Corberán’s side secured a play-off finish.
Swift’s contract officially expired on July 1st, with the Baggies choosing not to renew as they look to refresh their squad ahead of the new season. That decision has opened the door for a fierce battle for the creative midfielder, who now has several potential destinations to weigh up.
Rangers are keen to bolster their attacking options this summer as they aim to close the gap on Celtic, and Swift’s availability presents an appealing opportunity to add proven Championship quality without a transfer fee. Whether they can fend off competition from England, however, remains to be seen.
From Chelsea Prospect to Championship Regular
Swift began his professional career at Chelsea but, like many academy graduates, sought regular football through a series of loan moves. He enjoyed spells with Rotherham United, Swindon Town and Brentford, where he impressed across 27 Championship outings.
His breakthrough came in 2016 when he joined Reading on a permanent deal. Over the next six seasons, Swift became a key figure for the Royals, making 202 league appearances and scoring 33 goals. His performances earned him a move to West Brom in 2022, where he was initially a mainstay under Steve Bruce and later Corberán.
Now entering his thirties, Swift is seeking a club that can offer both stability and ambition. A move to Ibrox would bring the prospect of European football, while staying in the Championship could provide a more familiar environment and consistent game time.
Writer’s View
From a Championship perspective, Swift remains a valuable asset. His ability to operate in tight spaces, pick a pass, and deliver from set pieces makes him a standout at this level, even if his minutes were limited last season. Rangers’ interest is understandable—they need players with experience and quality to handle the demands of domestic and continental football.
But for the likes of Derby and Stoke, Swift could be a transformative signing in their pursuit of promotion. His decision may hinge on whether he prioritises game time or silverware. Either way, this looks like a signing that could shift the needle for whoever lands him.
